Anthony Davis addressed Washington reporters for the first time on Monday since the Wizards acquired him just before February’s trade deadline, outlining doubts about how quickly the NBA’s worst team can rise to title contention.
The 33-year-old center said he plans “lengthy talks” this offseason with team president Michael Winger and general manager Will Dawkins to understand how Washington intends to compete for a championship by the 2026/27 or 2027/28 season. “It’s very hard to be a losing team and then a championship contender,” Davis noted, citing Boston’s 2008 turnaround as a rare example.
Davis added that any strategy must be accompanied by clear execution. “What is our plan for winning going into next season, and how do we execute that? Based on that, we’ll kind of see what happens,” he said, a remark that prompted questions about his future with the club.
The 10-time All-Star is under contract for a guaranteed $58.5 million in 2026/27 and holds a $62.8 million player option for 2027/28. Asked if he expects to be on the roster opening night, he replied, “If it doesn’t get figured out, then come late October I will have a Washington Wizards uniform on, and I will do everything I can to win a basketball game.” Davis added that he enjoys mentoring the Wizards’ young core, saying, “I feel like they’re all my children.”
Davis praised the organization, owner Ted Leonsis, and the coaching staff, stating that his previous perception of the franchise was inaccurate. Washington finished with the league’s worst record, guaranteeing no worse than the No. 5 pick in the upcoming lottery and a 52.1% chance at a top-four selection, including 14.0% odds of landing No. 1. Prospects such as Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George are viewed internally as foundational pieces.
Injuries limited Davis to a career-low 20 games this season, including ligament damage in his left hand that delayed his Wizards debut in 2025/26. Despite the setback, he said he will train this summer “with the mindset that I will be here next year.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
